A method and apparatus using brainwaves to control real objects is provided. The method and apparatus comprise using sensors to detect the brain's electrical signals and transmit at least two brainwaves to an apparatus that converts the brainwaves into a format usable by a signal processor. The signal processor determines a coherence between portions of the brainwaves, typically in the frequency domain, and compares the coherence values, which change rapidly from moment to moment, to thresholds. Based on the comparison of the coherence value to the thresholds, which are adjusted over time based on feedback relating to success, a control signal is developed that can be sent to a real object to control 3 dimensional motion of the control object.
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1. A method of converting brainwave signals into stable control signals for real or virtual objects, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a brainwave signal; converting the received brainwave signal into a format suitable for signal processing; determining a coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal; comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold; outputting a first control signal based on the comparison of the coherence to the predetermined coherence threshold; controlling a real object based on the first control signal; determining whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily; and adjusting the predetermined coherence threshold based on the determination of whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily.
A method is provided for converting brainwave signals into stable control signals for real or virtual objects. First, a brainwave signal is received and converted into a format suitable for signal processing. The coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal is determined and compared to a predetermined coherence threshold. Based on this comparison, a first control signal is outputted to control a real object. The system then determines if the coherence meets the threshold satisfactorily and adjusts the threshold accordingly, creating a feedback loop that improves control signal stability.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold comprises a first predetermined coherence threshold and a second predetermined coherence threshold such that the comparison is successful based on obtaining a first predetermined coherence threshold and unsuccessful based on not obtaining a second predetermined coherence threshold such that the coherence successfully obtains the first and second predetermined coherence threshold based on a hysteresis.
The method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously) refines the coherence comparison using two thresholds: a first threshold for successful coherence and a second for unsuccessful coherence. Hysteresis is implemented; coherence must exceed the first threshold to be considered successful, and it must fall below the second threshold to be considered unsuccessful. This hysteresis prevents rapid switching of the control signal due to minor fluctuations in brainwave coherence, resulting in more stable and reliable control of the real object.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of comparing a first coherence to a proceeding coherence to determine whether the coherence is increasing or decreasing.
The method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously) further enhances brainwave signal interpretation by comparing a first coherence value to a subsequent coherence value. This comparison determines whether the coherence is increasing or decreasing over time. This directional trend information can be used to anticipate changes in brainwave patterns and provide smoother, more responsive control of the real or virtual object.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: calculating a ratio comparing an amplitude of a portion of the brainwave signal to an amplitude of another signal; comparing the ratio to a predetermined ratio threshold; outputting a second control signal based on the comparison of the ratio to the predetermined ratio threshold; and wherein the step of controlling a real object is also based on the second control signal.
The method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously) includes calculating a ratio of the amplitude of a portion of the brainwave signal to the amplitude of another signal. This ratio is compared to a predetermined ratio threshold. A second control signal is outputted based on this comparison. The real object is controlled based on both the first control signal (derived from coherence) and the second control signal (derived from amplitude ratio), allowing for a more nuanced and responsive control system based on multiple features of the brainwave.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising wirelessly transmitting the first control signal to the real object that is located remotely.
The method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously) involves wirelessly transmitting the first control signal to the real object. The real object is located remotely, enabling control of devices or systems at a distance using brainwave activity. This is achieved by encoding the first control signal into a wireless transmission protocol and transmitting it using a wireless communication system.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein another signal is a second brainwave signal.
In the method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously), "another signal" is defined as a second brainwave signal. Instead of comparing the original brainwave to a fixed reference, the system analyzes the coherence *between two* brainwave signals. This allows for more complex and potentially more robust analysis, as it captures the relationship between different brainwave activities.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein: the step of determining a coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal comprises determining a plurality of coherences between the brainwave signal and the second brainwave signal; the step of comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold comprises comparing the plurality of coherences to a plurality of coherence thresholds; and the steps of determining whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily; and adjusting the predetermined coherence threshold based on the determination of whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily further comprise the steps of: determining whether one of the plurality of coherences meets a corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined coherence thresholds satisfactorily and adjusting the one of the predetermined coherence thresholds until it is determined that the one of the plurality of coherences meets the corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined coherence thresholds satisfactorily, and once the corresponding one of the plurality of coherence thresholds has been adjusted determining whether a next one of the plurality of coherences meets a corresponding next one of the plurality of coherence thresholds and adjusting the corresponding next one of the plurality of thresholds until it is determined that the next one of the plurality of coherences meets the corresponding next one of the plurality of coherence thresholds satisfactorily, and repeating until all the plurality of coherences and the plurality of corresponding coherence thresholds have been adjusted.
In the method using two brainwave signals (as described previously), multiple coherences are calculated between the first and second brainwave signals. Each coherence is compared to its own corresponding threshold. The method then iteratively adjusts each threshold based on whether its corresponding coherence is met satisfactorily. The adjustment process continues until all coherences meet their respective thresholds satisfactorily. This allows the system to adapt to complex and dynamic brainwave patterns by optimizing multiple coherence measurements and their associated thresholds.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of outputting the first control signal comprises contriving the first control signal into a wireless format and wirelessly transmitting the signal.
In the method of converting brainwave signals (as described previously), the step of outputting the first control signal involves converting it into a wireless format. This includes encoding the control signal into a suitable wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and wirelessly transmitting it to the target device. This enables controlling real objects wirelessly.
9. A brainwave conversion system comprising in combination: a sensor for receiving a brainwave signal; an electroencephalogram for converting the received brainwave signal into a format suitable for signal processing; computer code for determining a coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal; computer code for comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold; computer code for outputting a first control signal based on the comparison of the coherence to the predetermined coherence threshold; a control module for controlling a real object based on the first control signal; computer code for determining whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily; and computer code for adjusting the predetermined coherence threshold based on the determination of whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily.
A brainwave conversion system is presented. It comprises a sensor for receiving brainwave signals, an electroencephalogram (EEG) for converting these signals into a format suitable for signal processing, and computer code to determine the coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal. This coherence is compared to a predetermined threshold using more computer code. Based on this comparison, further computer code outputs a first control signal that guides a control module to control a real object. Finally, computer code assesses whether the coherence meets the threshold and adjusts it accordingly, creating a closed-loop control.
10. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 wherein the computer code for comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold comprises a first predetermined coherence threshold and a second predetermined coherence threshold such that the comparison is successful based on obtaining a first predetermined coherence threshold and unsuccessful based on not obtaining a second predetermined coherence threshold such that the coherence successfully obtains the first and second predetermined coherence threshold based on a hysteresis.
The brainwave conversion system (as described previously) refines its coherence comparison using two thresholds: a first threshold for a successful coherence, and a second for an unsuccessful coherence. The computer code implements hysteresis, requiring the coherence to exceed the first threshold to trigger a positive response and to fall below the second threshold to trigger a negative response. This prevents the system from overreacting to minor brainwave fluctuations and improves control stability.
11. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 further comprising computer code for comparing a first coherence to a proceeding coherence to determine whether the coherence is increasing or decreasing.
The brainwave conversion system (as described previously) incorporates computer code that compares a first coherence value to a subsequent coherence value to determine whether the coherence is increasing or decreasing. This trend analysis provides additional information about the dynamics of brainwave activity and improves the system's ability to predict and respond to changing brainwave patterns.
12. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 further comprising: computer code for calculating a ratio comparing an amplitude of a portion of the brainwave signal to an amplitude of another brainwave signal; computer code for comparing the ratio to a predetermined ratio threshold; computer code for outputting a second control signal based on the comparison of the ratio to the predetermined ratio threshold; and wherein the control module for controlling a real object based on the first control signal is also based on the second control signal.
The brainwave conversion system (as described previously) calculates the ratio between the amplitudes of portions of the brainwave signal and another brainwave signal via computer code. The ratio is then compared to a predetermined ratio threshold using more computer code, and a second control signal is outputted based on this comparison, again by computer code. The control module operates based on both the first (coherence-derived) and second (ratio-derived) control signals, enhancing the responsiveness and accuracy of object control by using multiple aspects of brainwave data.
13. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 further comprising a transmitter for communicating the first control signal to the real object that is located remotely.
The brainwave conversion system (as described previously) includes a transmitter to communicate the first control signal wirelessly to a remotely located real object. This enables brainwave control of devices and systems over a distance, making remote control applications possible. The transmitter encodes and sends the control signal.
14. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 wherein another signal is a second brainwave signal.
In the brainwave conversion system (as described previously), the "another signal" used for coherence calculations is explicitly defined as a second brainwave signal. Rather than comparing the original brainwave to a fixed reference, the system analyzes the coherence between two independently measured brainwave signals, which allows for potentially more sophisticated signal analysis.
15. The brainwave conversion system of claim 14 wherein: computer code for determining a coherence between the brainwave signal and another signal comprises computer code for determining a plurality of coherences between the brainwave signal and the second brainwave signal; computer code for comparing the coherence to a predetermined coherence threshold comprises computer code for comparing the plurality of coherences to a plurality of coherence thresholds; and computer code for determining whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily; and computer code adjusting the predetermined coherence threshold based on the determination of whether the coherence meets the predetermined coherence threshold satisfactorily further comprise computer code for determining whether one of the plurality of coherences meets a corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined coherence thresholds satisfactorily; and computer code adjusting the one of the predetermined coherence thresholds until it is determined that the one of the plurality of coherences meets the corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined coherence thresholds satisfactorily, and once the corresponding one of the plurality of coherence thresholds has been adjusted determining whether a next one of the plurality of coherences meets a corresponding next one of the plurality of coherence thresholds and adjusting the corresponding next one of the plurality of thresholds until it is determined that the next one of the plurality of coherences meets the corresponding next one of the plurality of coherence thresholds satisfactorily, and repeating until all the plurality of coherences and the plurality of corresponding coherence thresholds have been adjusted.
In the brainwave conversion system using two brainwave signals (as described previously), computer code determines a plurality of coherences between the brainwave signals and compares them to a plurality of coherence thresholds. Computer code then determines if each coherence meets its respective threshold satisfactorily, and adjusts the threshold until it is determined that each coherence meets its respective threshold. This adaptive adjustment process continues until all coherences and thresholds are optimized, enabling the system to handle complex and dynamic brainwave patterns.
16. The brainwave conversion system of claim 9 wherein the computer code for outputting the first control signal comprises computer code for contriving the first control signal into a wireless format.
In the brainwave conversion system (as described previously), the computer code responsible for outputting the first control signal converts the signal into a wireless format. This ensures the control signal can be transmitted wirelessly to the controlled device, facilitating remote control applications.
17. The brainwave conversion system of claim 16 further comprising a transmitter for communicating the first control signal to the real object that is located remotely.
The brainwave conversion system (as described previously) includes a transmitter for communicating the wirelessly formatted first control signal to the remotely located real object. This enables the system to control devices wirelessly from a distance.
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April 27, 2015
August 15, 2017
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